What is divorce mediation?

Because divorce can become so confrontational and so expensive many people are turning to a mediator who is experienced in divorce matters.

While an attorney is exclusively concerned with the clients' interest, a mediator plays a different role. Divorce mediation services and the divorce mediator are looking to understand the emotional and financial issues of both sides, to facilitate communication and to help the parties find common ground attempting to reach as fair a solution as possible for both parties. Mediation, when successful, can avoid all the adversarial aspects when compared to the more common process of litigation.

Good mediation also requires:

• A depth of understanding of the issues between the two parties
• Insight into the overall economic, family and financial situation
• Clarity with regard to the specific concerns of each party.
• The skills to draw the parties toward a mediated solution.

Often people emotionally need some type of concession that the other side is not willing to give because they are angry with their spouse. A good mediator does not take sides. Instead a good mediator can facilitate communication between the parties and prevent the situation from becoming inflammatory, and keep both parties focused on the issues.

People in a divorce or separation may be upset, angry, or hurt. But if the mediator can help the parties understand each other's anger and work with both parties in an informal setting without the intimidation of court, that mediation process can be extremely helpful.

How mediation works

Both parties are present with the mediator at the office of LaFortune & LaFortune. The mediator will request each person to bring copies of financial documents to exchange.

Attorneys may occasionally accompany the spouses if everyone agrees it will be helpful. Attorneys are not always present. Before the final agreement is signed, the parties can meet with an attorney to review the agreement.

Mediation is a popular process for all types of litigation. Rather than spend years involved with the court system, if both sides are willing to understand the realities of the court system and the expenses and emotional toll, mediation can be a very helpful process.

Call us or contact us by filling out the short information form and we will respond to discuss divorce mediation services. LaFortune & LaFortune is a Massachusetts and New Hampshire law firm located in Andover, Massachusetts, 25 miles north of Boston.